How painting contributes to healthy ageing
A study published in the Journal of Aging Studies found that participants aged 60 to 93 identified six key aspects of successful ageing. These aspects were a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, autonomy and health. The researchers found that creative activity contributes to successful ageing by fostering a sense of competence, purpose and growth. It also improves problem-solving skills, motivation and perceptions that translate into how individuals manage day-to-day life. Here are some more ways painting contributes to healthy ageing.
1. Strengthens memory
A painter is required to sharpen their mind through conceptual visualisation and implementation. This activity boosts memory recollection skills and decreases the chance of developing memory loss illnesses later in life.
2. Stress relief
Stress is a problem that everyone deals with but frequent and high levels of stress can have a severe impact on your emotional and physical health. Focusing on painting allows a person’s mind to escape the stresses of life and relax. Releasing anxiety in painting helps someone contemplate a stressful situation out of a place of contemplation rather than through emotions.
3. Increases optimism
Painting involves having a plan of your work of art and then accomplishing it. This process boosts levels of happiness and optimism once this goal is achieved and you have a beautiful artwork. As you continue to paint, your skills will grow and self-esteem will be boosted as you experiment with your new artistic skills.
4. Nurtures emotional growth
Therapists regularly suggest painting as a treatment for patients who have suffered psychologically painful situations. Painting helps express your subconscious thoughts and feelings that you might be brushing over. Painting increases emotional intelligence and as you paint more you will become more reflective on what factors are influencing your varying moods.
Do you enjoy painting? Let us know in the comments below.
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